Industry News

Tariff rethink? Trump reviews steel, aluminum duties as inflation looms

Views : 12
Update time : 2026-02-15 20:15:14

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering scaling back some tariffs on imported steel and aluminum goods amid concerns that the levies are pushing up consumer prices.

According to a report by the Financial Times, cited by Reuters, administration officials are reviewing a list of products affected by the tariffs and weighing exemptions for certain items.
 

Officials at the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. trade representative’s office believe some of the duties have increased prices for everyday goods such as pie tins and food-and-drink cans.

The potential rollback comes as inflation and cost-of-living pressures remain a key political issue ahead of the November midterm elections.

 

 

Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50% on steel and aluminum imports last year and has frequently used trade levies as leverage in negotiations with trading partners. 

The administration is now considering exempting certain products, pausing further expansions of the tariff lists and launching more targeted national security reviews into specific goods instead.

Canada and Mexico are among the largest foreign suppliers of steel and aluminum to the U.S, underscoring how closely integrated North American manufacturing supply chains have become. 

Canada is typically the top source of both imported steel and primary aluminum, accounting for roughly half of U.S. aluminum imports in some years, while Mexico consistently ranks among the leading steel exporters to the U.S. 

Related News
Read More >>
IBAAS 2026 special technical sessions: Driving future-ready aluminium solutions in India and beyond IBAAS 2026 special technical sessions: Driving future-ready aluminium solutions in India and beyond
Feb .15.2026
IBAAS 2026 special technical sessions: Driving future-ready aluminium solutions in India and beyond
Trimet invests in the circular economy to boost European aluminium supply security Trimet invests in the circular economy to boost European aluminium supply security
Feb .15.2026
Trimet invests in the circular economy to boost European aluminium supply security
Chinese aluminium industry adjusts production amid high prices and holiday breaks Chinese aluminium industry adjusts production amid high prices and holiday breaks
Feb .15.2026
Chinese aluminium industry adjusts production amid high prices and holiday breaks
Metal prices crash as Trump scales back steel, aluminum tariffs Metal prices crash as Trump scales back steel, aluminum tariffs
Feb .15.2026
Metal prices crash as Trump scales back steel, aluminum tariffs